Opinion Forum

It Was Worth It?

August 28th, 2009

From The Footnote Speaks: What Would Mary Jo Kopechne Have Thought of Ted’s Career? by Melissa Lafsky at The Huffington Post:

We don’t know how much Kennedy was affected by her death, or what she’d have thought about arguably being a catalyst for the most successful Senate career in history. …

Still, ignorance doesn’t preclude a right to wonder. So it doesn’t automatically make someone (aka, me) a Limbaugh-loving, aerial-wolf-hunting NRA troll for asking what Mary Jo Kopechne would have had to say about Ted’s death, and what she’d have thought of the life and career that are being (rightfully) heralded.

Who knows — maybe she’d feel it was worth it.

Articles written by Tom Carter
Tags: Chappaquiddick, Kennedy, Kopechne
Categories: Media, Politics | Comments (7) | Home

7 Responses to “It Was Worth It?”

Lisa | August 29th, 2009 at 8:04 am

For 3 decades since Chappaquiddick many of the living population wondered whether the good words or deeds that Ted Kennedy said/did came from the heart or was his effort to rid himself of the guilt associated with being the infamous coward that he was. Mary Jo, what do YOU think?

Tom | August 29th, 2009 at 8:30 am

Too bad we can’t get some medium to channel her on the subject of Chappaquiddick. Whatever she might think, I doubt that she would believe her “sacrifice” was worth it. You’d have to be a loony far-leftist to speculate otherwise.

Here’s an account that reflects the extent of Kennedy’s remorse:

…the late senator loved to hear and tell Chappaquiddick jokes, and was always eager to know if anyone had heard any new ones.

Lisa | August 29th, 2009 at 11:17 am

Even self-deprecating humor can be done in really bad taste. Perhaps David Letterman could weigh in on this one?

Brian Bagent | August 29th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

Who knows – maybe she’d feel it was worth it.

Spoken like a true nutter.

doris | August 29th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

I don’t think he killed her, but she hit her face in the collision, still I doubt she would have given her life for him or his career. I think she would feel cheated and horrified to learn of her lack of importance to even her parents. I guess all is for sale, just dickering on the price.

Brian Bagent | August 30th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Kennedy’s actions directly led to her death. In Texas, what he did would be classified as Involuntary Manslaughter (I think they call this particular kind of manslaughter “Intoxication Manslaughter” now), carrying up to 10 years in the penitentiary.

At the very least, he committed Failure to Stop and Render Aid (FSRA for short, and also a felony in this state). Most states have similar statutes on the books, though they may go by different names. They carry similar penalties from state to state as well.

doris | August 30th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

I know he killed her, but not intending to do so. I believe he was drunk and fled the scene, but did not hit or abuse her. He was guilty and I sincerely hope he gets his just reward in the afterlife. Maybe she will be there to greet him, lol. That would serve him right.